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Explore Ireland Escorted Tour 2013

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Arrive in Dublin with time to explore before heading into the Irish
countryside. Kiss the Blarney Stone, shop for Irish knits and traverse the
famed Ring of Kerry with its astounding scenic views. Ireland's most iconic
landscape awaits in Country Clare, the Cliffs of Moher. Leave behind the greens
and blues of this postcard moment to explore one of Ireland's lesser known
landscapes, a region known as the Burren. Not just unique within Ireland, but
unique in Europe, its limestone covered land will make you feel as if you are
traversing the moon. Now it's time for some urban adventures in Galway, known
as the liveliest city in Ireland. Visit impressive Galway Cathedral and enjoy a
cruise on the river leaving you plenty of energy to explore the friendly pubs
for which the city is known. The Connemara region is part of the Gaeltacht, an
area where Gaelic is still a spoken language. However, words fail anyway when
viewing the wild surroundings of Connemara National Park and stunning Kylemore
Abbey. Pass through County Sligo, the source of inspiration for writer W.B.
Yeats and the site of one of the largest Stone Age cemeteries in the world. A
factory tour in Belleek will reveal the secrets of this famous Irish pottery.
Now it's time to continue north to the other Ireland, as equally beautiful and
friendly as the south. Arrive in Derry for a walking tour of the walled city.
Learn the legend behind the famous Giants Causeway on the way to Belfast.
Belfast has a rich and varied history and has always offered much for visitors
to explore, but now travelers also have the opportunity to learn more about the
fateful voyage of that most famous ship at the new Titanic Experience. Tour a
striking 18th century house and garden on the Ards Peninsula before a ferry ride
whisks you back to Dublin. Georgian architecture, parks, and historical
landmarks are all part of a city orientation tour. Sports fans will want to be
sure to sign up for the Gaelic Games option to get an introduction to Gaelic
Football or hurling and music fans have an option to enjoy a night of Irish
dancing and music at a lively pub, a great way to say goodbye to this enchanting
land before the next day's flight home.

Package Itinerary

Day 1: Depart USA

Your trip begins with an overnight transatlantic flight to Dublin. Relax and
enjoy the in-flight meal service and onboard entertainment.

Day 2: Welcome to Ireland

Upon arrival at Dublin airport, collect your luggage and proceed to the
arrivals hall. Transfers to the hotel will be arranged at 8:00am and 12:00pm
(noon). If your flight arrives after 12:00 noon, you will need to transfer
to the hotel at your own expense. You are free to explore the city at your
leisure this afternoon. Your hotel will be within walking distance of the
city center. Dinner at the hotel tonight. (D)

Overnight: 4 Star Hotel in Dublin

Day 3: Ireland's Midlands, Blarney Castle & Kerry

Today meet with your coach and English speaking driver/guide and depart
Ireland's Capital and travel to County Kerry. En route stop in the town of
Blarney for a visit to Blarney Castle. Here you will find the legendary Stone
of Eloquence. Kiss it & you'll never again be lost for words. Enjoy
some time for shopping at Blarney Woollen Mills. The presence of the
Woollen Mills during the famine shielded Blarney from the worst effects of
the famine due to its employment of local workers. In 1976 Chris
Kelleher, himself a mill worker, bought the old mill property. Within a
short period of time Chris and his family transformed the mill into what
is perhaps the largest craft shop in Ireland. Continue to your Kerry
hotel (B,D)

Overnight: 4 Star Hotel in Killarney or Kerry region

Day 4: Ring of Kerry

Today you can enjoy a superb tour of the Iveragh Peninsula, which will give
you the opportunity to discover the Ring of Kerry. Taking in spectacular
scenery - mountains, peat bogs, lakes and magnificent views of the Atlantic
Ocean. Leaving Killarney pass through Killorglin, famous for its Puck Fair,
then to Glenbeigh where the cliff road affords panoramic views of the Dingle
Peninsula and Dingle Bay. Passing through the peat bogs one arrives at the
sea town of Waterville. Continue to Sneem Village, famous for its brightly
colored houses. The road continues through the mountains to Molls Gap and
Ladies View with superb views of the famous Lakes of Killarney. Muckross
House, in the heart of the Killarney National Park, which was built in 1843 by
the Herbert family. This house is one of the most sumptuous residences of
Ireland. Today enjoy dinner on your own in one of the many restaurants or
pubs in Killarney town. (B)

Overnight: 4 Star Hotel in Killarney or Kerry region

Day 5: Burren & Cliffs

Travel northwards to Tarbert and take a short boat ride across the mouth of
the river Shannon to land on Clare's shore at Killimer. Travel along the coast
to the Cliffs of Moher, the most majestic cliffs in Ireland which rise from the
Atlantic Ocean and extend for over 7 km. On a clear day, you can admire the
Aran Islands and Connemara Mountains. The cliffs reach their highest point just
north of O'Brien's Tower, built by the descendants of Brian Boru to entertain
his lady friends. A visit to the tower is also possible. Atlantic Edge is the
exciting new interpretive center built into the natural landscape in the cliffs.
Enjoy a tour of the Burren Region. The Burren is a strange and unique region
in Europe; it is a high plateau of porous limestone situated in Northern Clare.
The limestone is bare with no trees growing here or land covering the stone.
But the Burren is not as deserted as we believe: the cracks allow different
types of flowers to grow all year round. The rocks hide many caves like Ailwee
as well as "Turloughs", an interesting phenomenon which transforms lakes into
fields during the summer. Continue to Limerick (B)

Overnight: 4 Star Hotel in Limerick

OPTIONAL EVENING: Medieval Banquet at Bunratty CastleBunratty
Castle was built in the 15th century by the Earl of Thomond and stands on the
banks of the Raite River in County Clare. From here the Earl ruled over his
chiefdom and was known for his generosity and his lavish entertainment and
banquets. For over 40 years the ladies of Bunratty Castle, aided and abetted
by the Earl's Butler, have welcomed guests from the four corners of the
globe to join them at The Earl's Banquet. The entertainment today is
provided by the superb Bunratty Singers and is a fitting compliment to the
lively mead reception, a four-course meal and of course good wine.
Guests are invited to enjoy an unforgettable evening in the splendor of
this magnificent castle. A true step back in time to Medieval Ireland.

Day 6: Galway City and Lough Corrib Cruise

This morning travel to Galway city. Visit Galway Cathedral, one of the
largest and most impressive buildings in the city. The exterior design may not
be to everybody's taste, while the interior, with its high curved arches and
central dome has a simple but solid elegance. Enjoy a cruise along the Corrib
River to Lough Corrib including scones and an Irish coffee (including
demonstration). This journey on the Corrib Princess takes passengers along the
majestic River Corrib and onto the lake. Visitors will see unsurpassed views of
the historic monuments and natural amenities that make this one of the most
spectacular waterways in Ireland. The cruise sails from Woodquay in the heart
of Galway and lasts approximately 90 minutes. Enjoy the rest of the afternoon
at leisure. Dinner at the hotel this evening. (B,D)

Overnight: 4 Star hotel in Galway

Day 7: Connemara

Today travel through the beautiful Connemara region, a land of lakes and
rivers, bogs and mountains, and small villages where Gaelic is still the spoken
language. It is without doubt the wildest and most romantic part of Ireland.
Enjoy some time at leisure in Connemara National Park. The park encompasses
2,957 hectares of rugged quartzite and schist terrain of north Connemara from
sea level at Letterfrack to some of the peaks of the Twelve Bens Mountains.
Visit Kylemore Abbey, built in 1868 by Mitchell Henry, and see its most famous
feature the miniature Cathedral. It has been home to the Irish order of
Benedictine nuns since 1920. (B)

Overnight: 4 Star hotel in Galway

Day 8: Sligo, Carrowmore to Donegal

Today travel to Donegal via County Sligo. See the beautiful scenery which
was an inspiration for W. B. Yeats, who is buried at Drumcliffe Churchyard,
under loaf-shaped Benbulben Mountain. Visit Carrowmore Cemetery which has over
60 stone circles and passage tombs, making it one of the largest Stone Age
cemeteries in Europe and is the oldest megalithic cemetery in Ireland. Each
tomb is numbered so as to facilitate visitors. The central tomb has been
restored to enable visitors to explore the interior of a court tomb and see how
it was when it was built over 5,000 years ago. It is a must see for those
interested in Archaeology. Continue towards Sligo via Belleek. Here you will
visit the Belleek Pottery factory and see first hand how this world renowned
pottery is created. The factory tour allows visitors to see the pottery being
removed from is molds, being fired and decorated by the Belleek artists. Dinner
at the hotel this evening. (B,D)

Overnight: 4 Star hotel in Co. Donegal

Day 9: Sligo, Donegal to Belfast via Derry

This morning depart Donegal for Derry. Upon arrival meet with your English
speaking guide and enjoy a walking tour of the Walled City of Derry. Founded in
the 6th century by St. Columba, Derry is the 2nd largest city and port of
Northern Ireland. In 1613 the city was selected as a major plantation project,
organised by the London livery companies. It was in this year that the walls of
Derry were built to protect the town from the Gaelic chieftains in Donegal.
This afternoon travel along the Antrim coast to Belfast, visiting the Giant's
Causeway en route. The Causeway was formed more than 60 million years ago when
red-hot lava erupted onto the surface of the earth and was cooled by the sea to
form the columns which make up the Giant's Causeway. Legend tells a different
story however that Finn MacCumhaill built the causeway over the sea to Scotland
in order to fight his arch enemy, Fingal, who had started his own path. The two
had never met before and when Finn heard the heavy footsteps of Fingal he turned
back. Helped by his wife, Finn dressed up as a baby and when Fingal arrived and
saw Finn, Fingal assumed the baby's father would be much bigger. This scared
him and he went running home, destroying the causeway behind him. Continue on
to Belfast. Dinner at the hotel tonight. (B,D)

Overnight: 4 Star hotel in Belfast

Day 10: Belfast and the NEW Titanic Experience

This morning enjoy a guided tour of Belfast City. This is an excellent way
to discover Belfast and will take in the leaning Albert Memorial Clock Tower
(Ireland's answer to the leaning Tower of PIsa) and the Opera House, as well as
passing City Hall, the Crown Bar (dating from 1885), Queens University and the
Botanic Gardens. Some tours will also visit the Harland and Wolfe Shipyard,
where the Titanic was built and launched in 1912. A visit to the Shankill and
Falls road will be of interest as it will give the visitor an idea of how life
was in Belfast during the troubles. Visit the NEW Titanic Experience. Located
in the heart of Belfast, the Titanic Belfast recreates the story of the world's
most famous ship in a new iconic, six floor building right beside the historic
site of the original ship's construction. Opened to coincide with the
centenary, the self guided tour begins upon entering the buildings giant atrium
where visitors are surrounded by the four "ship's hull" shaped wings which house
the Titanic Experience. You will uncover the true story of the Titanic from her
conception in Belfast in the early 1900's through her construction and launch,
to her famous maiden voyage and subsequent place in history through nine large
galleries full of interactive exhibitions. Highlights include views of the
slipways where the Titanic was launched and the voyage to the bottom of the sea
in the unique Ocean Exploration Center. Enjoy the afternoon at your leisure in
Belfast City. (B)

Overnight: 4 Star hotel in Belfast

Day 11: Strangford Lough and Mount Stewart

This morning enjoy a tour of the Ards Peninsula. Located in County Down, it
separates Strangford Lough from the North Channel on Ireland's northeast coast.
Visit Mount Stewart House and Garden, a magnificent 18th century house, which
was home to the marquees of Londonderry. Expect to be enthralled by the 35
hectares of gardens, landscaped in the early 1900's by Lady Edith, wife of the
7th marquees, for the benefit of her children. It has an unrivalled collection
of rare and unusual plants. In late spring the Sunken Gardens is a blaze of
vivid orange and yellow when the Azaleas reach their peak and the scarlet blooms
of the Red Hand of Ulster in the Shamrock Garden are equally splendid. Other
attractions include the Italian Gardens, the amazing Dodo Terrace, the beautiful
lake and the Temple of the Winds, designed by James "Athenian" Stuart in 1785.
Next take the ferry from Portaferry to Strangford before continuing on to
Dublin. (B)

Overnight: 4 Star hotel in Dublin

Day 12: Dublin's Fair City

After breakfast with your English speaking guide, enjoy an orientation tour
of the city. The North side of the river offers striking monuments such as the
GPO (General Post Office) on the city's main thoroughfare O'Connell Street or
the Custom House along the quays, as well as Europe's largest public park, the
Phoenix Park. The south side appears more sophisticated with its vast Georgian
Squares, such as Merrion Square, where Oscar Wilde's house can still be found,
its colorful doors along with Grafton Street and its quality shops. This part
of the city is also home to the house of Bram Stoker, Trinity College and the
Medieval District. Visit Trinity College, Irelands oldest University founded in
1592 by Elisabeth 1st. Visit the ancient library, containing over 20,000
manuscripts and is home to the 9th century Book of Kells. Last stop today will
be a visit to Christchurch Cathedral. King Sitric Silkenbeard, the 1st
Christian Viking King of Dublin, built the city's first church on this site in
1038. The current building was built in 1172 by the Anglo-Norman Richard de
Clare (Strongbow). Similar to St Patrick's Cathedral, it is adorned with
funeral monuments, including the reputed tomb of Strongbow. Unlike St.
Patrick's however, Christchurch possesses a crypt which stretches nearly its
entire length and much of the Cathedral's memorabilia is displayed here. Enjoy
the rest of the afternoon at your leisure. (B)

Overnight: 4 Star Hotel in Dublin

OPTIONAL: Gaelic Games with Experience Gaelic Games (minimum of 10
pax required for this tour to operate)In Ireland, Gaelic Games,
music, dance and our language lie at the heart of who we are and what it is to
be Irish. Our games, music and dance are truly unique. They are exciting and
engaging and they will not simply interest visitors but will wow them. At
Experience Gaelic Games visitors are offered the opportunity to engage with the
truly fantastic side of Irish Culture and everyday life. The two main Gaelic
Games are Galic Football and Hurling and are both organised by the G.A.A.
(Gaelic Athletic Association). They are two of the most popular sports in
Ireland today, with boys and girls across all age groups as well as men and
women enjoying and playing these games. At Experience Gaelic Games you have the
chance to learn more about, and then play, the unique Irish games of Hurling,
Gaelic Football and Handball.

OPTIONAL: Evening Entertainment at Taylors Three Rock (or
similar)Taylor's Three Rock is a lively pub located in
Rathfarnham, 30 minutes from Dublin city center. It hosts a fine
restaurant and an excellent Irish night of music and dance. Guests are
encouraged to dine early and be ready for the music, which starts at
9:00pm. A ballad group (4 musicians typically) will regale visitors with
ballads both happy and sad and will (after a few pints) have visitors
singing along with them. The music is interrupted for a short while to
allow guests to catch their breaths and enjoy the best of Irish Dancing -
guaranteed to get feet tapping. A final song or two from the musicians will
send the visitors into the night with fond memories of a memorable night in
a Dublin Pub.

Day 13: Dublin/USA

After a final breakfast, transfer to Dublin Airport for your departure
flight home. Transfers will be arranged at 6:00am and 9:30am. (B)

Travel Options

Check out our optional sightseeing. Save time and money by pre-booking your sightseeing tours before you travel.

OPTIONAL EVENING: Medieval Banquet at Bunratty Castle

Dinner and show at Bunratty Castle. Transportation to and from your hotel is not included. Your tour director may be able to help you arrange transportation to and from the venue.

OPTIONAL EVENING: Irish Night at Taylor's Three Rock (or similar)

Dinner and show at Taylor's Three Rock. Transportation to and from your hotel is not included. Your tour director may be able to help you arrange transportation to and from the venue.

OPTIONAL: Experience Gaelic Games

Experience Gaelic Games. Transportation to and from your hotel is not
included. Your tour director may be able to help you arrange transportation to
and from the venue.

Please note: a minimum of 10 participants is required for
this tour to operate.

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* All airline related taxes and fuel surcharges are included. Prices are per person, based on double occupancy, and are subject to change prior to purchase. Some foreign authorities require fees at arrival or departure that must be collected directly from the passengers at the airport. Airline-imposed baggage fees may apply and be due at the airport; please consult your airline prior to departure for the latest fees.